The future HMAS Eyre, the second of six Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), has sailed into her home port for the first time.
Her arrival on October 3 hastens forward her impending acceptance into operational service after she undergoes audits, technical assessments and sea-release activities designed to bring her up to full operational capability over the coming months.
The six Arafura-class OPVs will replace the current Armidale Class and work alongside Cape-Class patrol boats.
The first-in-class, HMAS Arafura, was commissioned into service in June this year; both were built by Lurssen Australia and ASC at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The remaining four – Pilbara, Gippsland, Illawarra and Carpentaria — are currently under construction at the Henderson Maritime Precinct by Lurssen Australia and Civmec.
Commanding Officer of Eyre Lieutenant Commander Amy Brauns commented: “The arrival of NUSHIP Eyre to her home port of Fleet Base West for the first time marks a proud milestone for the project and, most importantly, the crew.”
She added: “It signals the transition from construction towards active service in support of key ADF missions.”
The 80-metre-long warships have a top speed of around 20 knots, a 4,000-nautical-mile range, and a crew of 40. They are armed with a 25mm naval gun and two 50-calibre machine guns.
Each OPV will carry two 8.5-metre Boomeranger rigid inflatable boats and a stern-launched 10.5-metre Boomeranger RHIB. An uncrewed aerial vehicle can be deployed from her rear deck.
The six ships will form part of a wider RAN capability providing civil maritime security and regional engagement in the Southwest Pacific and maritime Southeast Asia.
- You can read more details on the Defence Australia website